The bidding war for Juan Soto appears to be intensifying, with the superstar outfielder reportedly seeking a record-breaking 15-year contract exceeding $600 million. This would surpass the longest current deal in MLB, Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 14-year, $340 million contract, and potentially make Soto just the second player to sign a $600 million deal. Teams like the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays are believed to be the frontrunners, with the final offers expected to emerge at the Winter Meetings.
Soto’s rumored contract would likely include player options, giving him the opportunity to re-enter free agency as early as his age-31 season, maximizing his earnings potential as MLB revenues grow in the future.
Soto’s free agency highlights his value as one of the best hitters in baseball, posting a .288/.419/.569 slash line with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs in 2024. It remains to be seen which team will meet his terms, but his signing will undoubtedly set a new precedent in MLB contracts.
Around the National League East
MLB deal Rumors identified the likely landing destinations for an Alec Bohm deal.
The Washington Nationals won the 2024 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence.
Around Major League Baseball
The expected cost of the Athletics’ Las Vegas ballpark has risen by $250 million from initial estimates.
The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a one-year, $10.75 million contract with reliever Aroldis Chapman.
Tommy Kahnle, a free agent reliever, is attracting interest from a number of teams, including his previous team, the Yankees.
The Kansas City Royals have decided to remain with Diamond Sports Group as their broadcast partner in 2025.
Patrick Dubuque of Baseball Prospectus talked about how Hurricane Milton could spell the end for the Rays in Tampa Bay.
Jon Heyman has a complete breakdown of Blake Snell’s contract, including the $66 million in deferred money.
Hyeseong Kim, a KBO infielder, will be posted today at noon, kicking off a 30-day window during which he can sign with an MLB team.
Maybelle Blair, a former AAGPBL player, will serve as an honorary chair on the future Women’s Pro Baseball League advisory board.
Farhan Zaidi, the former President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants, is speaking with the Los Angeles Dodgers about a front-office role.
The Giants are allegedly interested in Corbin Burnes, a free agent starting pitcher.
Joe Trezza of MLB Pipeline identified six teams who have prospects to trade at the Winter Meetings next week.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Brian Salvatore created a scenario in which the Mets sign Michael A. Taylor before the 2024 season.
Yours truly evaluated Joc Pederson as a potential addition to the Mets’ 2025 roster as both a DH upgrade and a backup outfielder.
